Module 6 Fore 1

Unit V
Module PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE

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FORE 1 FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY Units: 3.0
CHAPTER V
(CONTINUATION)
PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE
All portable items of evidence should be taken to the laboratory where they can be
photographed under the most favorable conditions, close-up photographs of perishable items, such
as footprints, and evidence that will oxidize and change color, such as bloodstains, must be made at
the scene of the crime as quickly as possible.
In addition to appearing in the overall crime scene photograph to establish their location,
items of evidence such as tools, weapons, and contraband, and items which may deteriorate or
change with time should be photographed individually. Some objects may require more than one
photograph to show all trace evidence on the surface. This provides a supplement for the case
report and protects valuable evidence from unnecessary handling.
Photography of Blood
Blood per se is easy to photograph. Color film should be used, especially with old, dried blood
which may not record satisfactorily in black and white photography. Bloodstains are frequently found
where the background of similar color makes it more difficult to photograph.
The object in photographing blood is to capture as much contrast between the bloodstain
and its surroundings, and a blue filter may darken the blood more than its background. A very low
grazing light, especially when dealing with fabrics, will sometimes record bloodstains because of the
difference in reflectivity between the blood and the nap of the fabric. Also, fresh blood, and
sometimes oxidized blood will fluoresce when illuminated with ultraviolet light.
Footprints and Tire Impressions

Imprints of shoes and tires are often found at the crime scene. Although there are usually
reproduced by plaster casting, they should be photographed first. Place the camera on a tripod with
the film plane parallel to the ground. In the case of footprints, include a ruler beside the print and
adjust the camera to obtain as large an image s possible. In the case of tire prints, select a length a
PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY:

Ms. CAPONGCOL JINKY C. RCRIM
6 6
Instructor
NOTED BY: APPROVED BY:
MIDTERM WEEK MEETING MS. JHASMINE MARIE
BORCES-MENDOZA
Coordinator/Academic head
Unit V
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track for best tread pattern, especially areas with defects, such as cuts, which may identify an
individual tire.
Tool Marks
Tool marks are impressions made on something, more so in forcibly prying open something with
some type of tools. Photographed a tool mark before it is moved. Cast, or molded, disturbed or
altered in any way. Photograph provides a permanent pictorial record of the evidence in its original
state and location, thus satisfying the legal requirements for records of original evidence.
Initial photographs should show the marks is it actually appears and its relation to other objects
at the scene, an ordinary ruler and markings included in each picture to provide laboratory
technicians with a scale of measurement for examination and comparison purposes.
If a tool is found bearing paint similar to that on the painted surface and the flake pattern
appears to be identical in formation, the pattern should be photographed, since some of the flakes
of paint might be loosened and accidentally removed from the tool while in transit to the laboratory.
The required photographs are:
❑ A picture that shows the tool marks and enough of the surface on which it is located
to identify them positively; and
❑ A close-up suitable for enlargement to show minute details of the tool mark
Dusty Shoe Prints
Occasionally, dusty shoe prints are found on a newly wax floor or on paper strewn on the floor.
These may be visible to the naked eyes by use of cross lighting. Another method is to use sticky
material to which the dust will adhere and will lift the print from the floor.
Fingerprints
The subject that is probably most often photographed by an investigator is fingerprint. Since
fingerprints are so delicate, they should be photographed as soon as they are found. The procedures
discussed here are equally applicable to palm prints, fabric prints or impression.
When fingerprints are found at the crime scene, they should be photographed immediately.
The object containing the print should be photographed from medium distance, showing the entire
object and some of the surrounding area. This enables later identification of the object in the overall

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view of the crime scene. In those rare instances when fingerprints are to be lifted by tape, they should
be photographed before the tape is placed over the print. If photographs are made of the
fingerprints on the lifting tape, the negative should be placed in the printer upside down. The image
has been reversed from left to right on the tape, and it must be returned to its proper relationship so it
can be classified.
Filters. Color filters may be used to control contrast when prints are found on colored
backgrounds or when colored fingerprints powder are used. To select the proper filter, examine the
subject through the filter. If the contrast improved, then that filter can be used.
If the fingerprint covers an area containing several colors, and contrast cannot be
obtained with ordinary powders, then use a fluorescent type of powder and photograph the print
with ultraviolet light. Aluminum powder can be used on glass or shiny metal because of clinging
qualities.
Black Fingerprints on Light Surface. When black or dark powder is used to develop a fingerprint
on a light surface few problems are presented, since this is the same as photographing line copy.
Care should be taken that hot spots are not created by your light.
Light Fingerprint on a Dark Background. This type of print creates a special problem. The image
produced in the final print is reversed. That is the ridges of the print are shown as white rather than
black. To change the print back into its proper relationship, an intermediary negative is made.
Arrange the negative and a sheet of unexposed film so that the notches correspond, place the
negative and film sheet on a contact printer, emulsion side down, with the negative on the bottom.
With a 10-watt lamp, the exposure will be approximately one second. The resulting negative is called
transparency or reversal negative, and will produce a photographic print of black fingerprint on a
white surface.
Fingerprint on Glass. If dark powder is used, place the glass on a light, non-reflective, paper
background. The rest of the procedure is the same as other photography. If light powder is used,
place the glass on a piece of black velvet, and photograph it in a normal manner. If the print is on a
bottle, a paper background can be rolled up and inserted into the bottle, or the bottle may be filled
with dark liquid.
Bottles and other glass objects with curved surfaces are sometimes difficult to light since they
are highly reflective. In some cases, the light may be reflected into the bottle surface by white paper

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or cardboard, rather than directing the lamp directly into the subject. If the glass is translucent, rather
than transparent, it may be possible to photograph the fingerprint by placing the light behind the
glass and photographing the print by transmitted light.
DOCUMENT PHOTOGRAPHY
Document Photography relates to an effort to detect or clarify writing or marking on paper

that is no longer visible due to age, exposure to weather, fire or water, or alteration.
Film Selection. The contrast of writing or marks on the document to determine the film to be
used. Faint detail requires the use of a high contrast film. If detail is required in both the paper and
inks, a moderate film is required, since a high contrast film would block out the detail on one or the
other. It is often necessary to experiment with several films before correct selection is found.
Mechanical Erasures
These are the easiest to detect but present some of the most difficult problems. If the writing
appears to have been completely removed, there is little possibility of restoring it. It should be
examined under a magnifying glass, using a concentrated beam of light. By moving the lamp at right
angles, it may be possible to detect some trace of writing. If so, place the document in the copy
easel, and arrange the light at the same angle as the original examination light. Usually, a high
contrast film is required which will exaggerate the traces, so they are readable. Side lighting is most
often the best arrangement, since it reveals the texture of the erased area. If no detail is revealed by
reflected light, place the document over a light and examine it by transmitted light. Examine both
sides in this manner.
Examination through fibers is also helpful. If visible light examination reveals no traces, examine
the document by ultraviolet radiation. Traces of the ink or pencil may be detected, or the traces may
not be sympathetic to the radiation and will be seen against the fluorescence of the paper. If
ultraviolet reveals nothing, photograph the document with infrared. It may reveal traces that do not
react to ultraviolet.
Chemical Erasures

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The examination of these documents is basically the same with chemical erasures as for
mechanical erasures, but often ultraviolet is the best method. Most paper have a natural
fluorescence that is easily disturbed by chemicals. The effect is quite noticeable under UV radiation.
In other instances, the ink may fluoresce to a greater degree than the paper, or it may not fluoresce
at all. In either instance, the effect can be photographed. Sometimes reflected by UV will reveal
alteration not shown by fluorescence. The exposure by UV will be in minutes rather than seconds, as
would be the case with ordinary light.
Obliterated Writing
If the writing in question has been obliterated by overwriting, or scratched out, it is sometimes
possible to restore the original writing. If the overmarks are made in a different color than the original
writing, a filter of the same color as the overwriting may absorb the color and reveal the underwriting.
View the obliteration through the filter and examine the effect. A medium contrast film should be
used.
If heavy pressure was used in the original writing, it may be possible to photograph the
indentations which remain obliterated. Cross lighting is usually used, and a medium contrast film. If
these methods fail, try infrared. The ink may be transparent to infrared and allow the underwriting to
be photographed. In some instances, UV may be used as there may be a difference in the intensity
or color of the fluorescence.
If the obliteration is made by pasting paper over the writing, as for example, two papers that
were stuck together accidentally, and pulled apart, leaving part of the paper stuck to the writing,
wetting the paper may reveal the writing. Apply a chemical such as benzene or lighter fluid to the
area on the reverse side. The writing will appear for a few seconds and then disappear as the fluid
evaporates. Be prepared to photograph as soon as the writing appears.
Charred Documents
The writing on charred documents can often be deciphered and photographed using infrared
light. Naturally the degree of “restoration” depends on the degree of charring. Those papers that
have been completely burned cannot be photograph successfully. In some instances, charred

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documents are photographed by placing the paper under a large sheet o glass and arranging one
light at an angle off to one side, so that the link residue reflects the light. Both methods should be
tried. Infrared may also be useful in photographing charred fabrics or leather such as money, bags,
names inscribed on wallets, etc. Since these materials will usually be quite brittle and fragile, they
must be handled with extreme care.
Photographing Impressions
The impressions left upon a pad of paper by writing on an upper sheet which has been
removed will sometimes provide a legible copy of the message written on the missing page. By
directing a beam of light from the side (almost parallel to the plane of the paper), the indentation
can be brought into relief and the writing revealed. No special treatment of paper is necessary. This
should be done in a darkened room so that only the grazing light illuminates the paper. Handle the
pad very carefully before photographing it. Never put the suspect paper under pressure, as this
would tend to smooth but the indentation and make it more difficult to photograph.

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BORCES-MENDOZA
Unit V
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6 6
Instructor
BORCES-MENDOZA
Unit V
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STUDENT NAME: ________________________ SECTION: ____________________

6 6
Instructor
BORCES-MENDOZA
Unit V
Page | 1
WRITTEN TASK PR: 1.1.1
PERFORMANCE TASK TITILE: FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY
PERFORMANCE TASK OBJECTIVE:
TOOLS AND MATERIALS: PEN AND PAPER
EQUIPEMENT: NONE
ESTIMATED COST: NONE
QUESTIONS:
PRECAUTIONS: NONE
ASSESSMENT METHOD: WRITTEN WORK CRITERIA CHECKLIST

6 6
Instructor
BORCES-MENDOZA
Unit V
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STUDENT NAME: ______________________ SECTION: ______________________
WRITTEN OUTPUT CRITERIA CHECKLIST PR.1.1.1
CRITERIA SCORING
DID I….. 1 2 3 4 5
1. ORGANIZATION
2.LEVEL OF CONTENT
3.DEVELOPMENT
4.GRAMMAR MECHANICS
5.STYLE
TEACHERS REMARKS: QUIZ RECITATION PROJECT GRADE:
5- EXCELLENTLY PERFORMED
4-VERY SATISFACTORY PERFORMED
3-SATISFACTORY PERFORMED
2-FAIRLY PERFORMED
1-POORLY PERFORMED
______________________
TEACHER

6 6
Instructor
BORCES-MENDOZA
Unit V
Page | 1
DATE: ______________________

6 6
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BORCES-MENDOZA

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Unit V

Module PHOTOGRAPHIC EVIDENCE

Footprints and Tire Impressions

PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY:

PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY:

PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY:

Document Photography relates to an effort to detect or clarify writing or marking on paper

PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY:

PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY:

PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY:

PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY:

STUDENT NAME: ________________________ SECTION: ____________________

PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY:

WRITTEN TASK PR: 1.1.1

PERFORMANCE TASK TITILE: FORENSIC PHOTOGRAPHY

PERFORMANCE TASK OBJECTIVE:

TOOLS AND MATERIALS: PEN AND PAPER

ESTIMATED COST: NONE

ASSESSMENT METHOD: WRITTEN WORK CRITERIA CHECKLIST

PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY:

STUDENT NAME: ______________________ SECTION: ______________________

WRITTEN OUTPUT CRITERIA CHECKLIST PR.1.1.1

TEACHERS REMARKS: QUIZ RECITATION PROJECT GRADE:

PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY:

PREPARED BY: CHECKED BY:

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STUDENT NAME: ____ SECTION:

STUDENT NAME: SECTION: